New York City FC Vs Philadelphia Union: 3 things to watch for

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ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 17: Andre Blake #18 of Philadelphia Union looks on during the first half of the game between Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 17, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

1. The battle of the Goalkeepers

New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union both have incredible goalkeepers: Sean Johnson and Andre Blake. Both have played internationally — Johnson has nine caps for the United States, and Blake is the starting keeper for Jamaica. Blake was named the MLS 2016 Goalkeeper of the Year. Both he and Johnson are regarded as two of the top goalkeepers in MLS.

In 2019, both played well. In 29 regular-season games, Johnson produced 78 saves, with a save percentage of 67. 2%, while Blake had 59 saves and a save percentage of 57. 3% in 26 regular-season games. While Johnson had more saves and the better save percentage, NYCFC and the Union both finished fourth and fifth in goals allowed respectively. The team success illustrates the high-performing units both were a part of.

So far in 2020, with just two regular-season games played, Johnson has made 13 saves with a save percentage of 86.7% and Blake has made 11 saves with a save percentage of 68.8%. Both have already made impressive saves this season and Thursday’s tilt may come down to those crucial moments in and around the penalty area.

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Which player will be more mentally alert? Who will be able to direct their center-backs and full-backs to help them defensively? Who will make the most saves in the game? The battle between Johnson and Blake should be a thrilling one to watch, and it could yet determine who comes out on top.

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